The tiny patch on the side of the iPhone 12 is for the signal reception of the mmWave 5G antennas, as confirmed by Apple.
Today, Apple announced four new iPhone 12 models. The entry-level versions are the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Mini. The high-end ones are the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
All these phones are Apple’s entry to the smartphone industry’s venture into 5G. The newest 5G bands allow for ultra-fast uploading and downloading speeds never before seen on smartphones.
Earlier rumors said that only the iPhone 12 Pro models would get the faster mmWave bands. However, contrary to that, Apple itself has confirmed that the base model of the iPhone 12 actually has the same bands. Unfortunately, these bands will not be available around the world.
The tiny patch on the iPhone 12 is exclusive to the U.S.
In earlier schematics of the iPhone 12, the patch was initially thought to be a smart connector for charging.
However, TheVerge was able to confirm with Apple that the patch on the side, a few centimeters below the power button, is for the mmWave 5G antennas. Apple also confirmed that this patch is only on the iPhone 12 models in the U.S. In other words, other iPhone 12 phones around the world will not have the mmWave 5G antennas.
Apple took the time to explain what 5G capabilities on the iPhone 12 can provide its users. It even gave Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg time to deliver the good news about his company’s partnership with Apple.
He announced that the 5G network of Verizon provides up to double the peak download speeds up to 4Gbps in an ideal condition. The upload speeds, on the other hand, reach up to 200Mbps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65JrtwtTOdc&ab_channel=Apple
What else was announced during the event?
Other than the iPhone 12 models, Apple also released the latest HomePod Mini. It is a power-packed device perfect for the home. The new design of the smart home speaker is in a modern spherical design.
It doesn’t have the number of speakers that the original HomePod had. Nevertheless, while using the latest S5 chip and software integration, Apple promises only the loudest bass and clearest sound that the HomePod Mini can deliver.
Apple also equipped the HomePod Mini with even smarter Siri functionality. It understands now that there are several users in the home. As such, it can fully adjust its interaction with every user in the house. It can manage schedules, notes, and queries without the user having to introduce himself.
Image from MacRumors